LAKE BURTON

The Legacy and Lifestyle of Lake Burton

Lake Burton By the Numbers

• Leased Lots: 844 • Fee-Simple Lots: 328 • Total Lots: 1,172 • Shoreline: 62 miles • Elevation: 1,866.6 feet • Acreage: 2,775 acres 

A Century of Charm, Prestige, and Community

Originally created in the early 1900s to generate electricity for the growing city of Atlanta, Lake Burton has evolved into one of Georgia’s most prestigious and scenic lakefront destinations. This 2,775-acre mountain lake, nestled in the heart of Rabun County, is where history, natural beauty, and elevated living meet.

What began as a hydroelectric project became a legacy. In 1919, Georgia Railway and Electric Company purchased the tiny farming town of Burton—along with 65 homesteads—to create a reservoir system harnessing the power of the Tallulah River. By 1927, electricity was flowing into Atlanta’s streetcar system, and rustic fishing cabins began springing up along the shoreline.

From Historic Roots to High-End Retreat

Today, Lake Burton is known as a quiet haven for celebrities, sports figures, executives, and families seeking refuge from city life. More than 80% of the lake’s shoreline is owned by Georgia Power, which issues 15-year land leases and enforces rigorous building standards to preserve the area’s natural harmony—favoring cedar shakes and earth tones over gleaming metal and bright finishes.

Homes here range from humble, weathered cabins to expansive estates with matching multi-story boathouses—some valued at over $250,000 on their own. And while the real estate styles vary, all share the same extraordinary backdrop: forested mountains, pristine waters, and a sense of peace that is hard to replicate.

A Place to Escape, Connect, and Belong

Lake Burton is beloved for its sense of community as much as its scenery. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening by the firepit, tubing after Sunday “boat church,” or joining neighbors on the 4th of July to watch fireworks launched from Billy Goat Island, Lake Burton offers a lifestyle that is both deeply relaxing and richly social.

"It's very social if you want it to be," says one homeowner. "It can also be an escape if you just want to come by yourself.” Another remarks, “I feel the weight of the world coming off me when I’m driving into the mountains.”

Real Estate Opportunities

Now is an ideal time to explore real estate offerings on Lake Burton and within Waterfall at Lake Burton. With a limited number of buildable lots, strong property values, and continued interest from discerning buyers, ownership here is both a lifestyle and a long-term investment.

Whether you're drawn by the lake’s serene coves, the club’s world-class amenities, or the enduring charm of this mountain paradise, one thing is certain:

Lake Burton is a place where memories are made, legacies are built, and every sunset feels like home.